Apex ProLock Steering Kit — SKU: KIT135 — Black Anodized Aluminum | Standard Mount (No Flip) | Jeep Wrangler JK 2007–2018 4WD

Overview

This is a complete replacement steering kit for the Jeep Wrangler JK — a black anodized aluminum 2" 7075-T6 tie rod and drag link, each using forged steel tie rod and drag link ends, Apex's ProLock keyway washer system, and zerk-fitting serviceability. This exact configuration uses the standard under-knuckle mount (no taper sleeve or knuckle drilling required), typically suggested for lifts of 3.5" or less.

Before ordering: This kit fits stock Dana 30/44 front axles on the 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler JK. If your Jeep has significant modifications, contact Obsidian Forged Auto Supply 469-407-7538 or Support@Obsidianforgedautosupply.com) before ordering to confirm compatibility — this kit fits most modified applications, but Apex recommends confirming first, and also suggests checking with your local Jeep shop that your modifications are compatible. If your Jeep has been upgraded to a Dana 60 axle, contact Apex directly for available modifications; this kit as configured does not cover that application. This configuration is the standard under-knuckle mount, typically suggested for lifts of 3.5" or less — no taper sleeve or knuckle drilling required.

Required separately: A steering stabilizer bracket is not included and must be selected separately based on the steering stabilizer you run. A steering stabilizer, thread locker (blue Loctite 243 or Permatex 24206), anti-seize for adjusting-sleeve threads only, and a professional alignment are also required and not included.

Verified Fitment

Significantly modified applications: contact OFAS to confirm compatibility before ordering. Dana 60 upgrades require contacting OFAS directly.

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Included:

• Complete tie rod assembly — 2" 7075-T6 black anodized aluminum adjusting sleeve, forged steel E-coated ends (TR190K, TR191K)
• Complete drag link assembly — 2" 7075-T6 black anodized aluminum adjusting sleeve, forged steel E-coated ends (DL121K, DL120K)
• ProLock keyway (Ninja) washers and Belleville washer alternates
• Jam nuts with integrated set screws
• Grade 8 / Class 10.9 hardware, castle nuts
• Zerk fittings (pre-threaded, pre-greased)

Not included:

• Steering stabilizer bracket (must be selected separately based on the steering stabilizer used)
• Steering stabilizer
• Jam nut wrenches (KIT521, 2x WR112 41mm/46mm — required, sold separately; not selected as included in this task's source data)
• Replacement set screws (XP172, tie rod and drag link, sold separately)
• Thread locker (blue Loctite 243 or blue Permatex 24206 recommended)
• Anti-seize compound (for adjusting sleeve threads only)

Critical Compatibility

• Axle: Fits stock Dana 30/44 front axles. Significant modifications — contact OFAS to confirm compatibility before ordering, and also check with your local Jeep shop.
• Dana 60 upgrades: Not covered by this configuration. Contact OFAS directly for available modifications.
• Mount configuration: This is the standard under-knuckle mount — typically suggested for lifts of 3.5" or less. No taper sleeve or knuckle drilling is required.
• Wheels: Compatible with AEV and factory Rubicon wheels without wheel spacers; designed for 17" wheels and factory wheel specifications.
• Washer selection: Use either the ProLock keyway washer or the Belleville washer to secure a given jam nut — never both on the same joint.
• Anti-flop bearing (tie rod): Allows approximately 4° of forward/back rotation once properly installed. Tighten the passenger side jam nut first, then center the flop while tightening the driver's side jam nut, so approximately 4° of rotation remains once both are torqued.
• Minimum engagement mark — drag link: If visible on the drag link end threads, thread engagement is insufficient — this may indicate a lift height that calls for a flip kit configuration instead, or the adjusting sleeve may need to be re-equalized between the two ends.
• Grease volume: Joints have very little internal clearance. Use only ½ to 1 pump of grease per joint — overfilling can cause seals to pop or tear, leading to premature failure.
• Steering stabilizer bracket: Not included with this kit — select the correct bracket separately based on your steering stabilizer.

Installation Notes

Steering components are safety-critical. Professional installation is strongly recommended, and a professional alignment must be completed before operating the vehicle. The installer must follow the current Apex Chassis standard (No Flip) installation instructions supplied with the product throughout installation and alignment.

Required for this configuration: Apex wrench kit KIT521 (2x WR112 41mm/46mm), sold separately; medium-strength blue thread locker (Loctite 243 or Permatex 24206); and anti-seize compound for the internal adjusting-sleeve threads only.

Drag link castle nuts torque to 75–82 ft/lbs; tie rod castle nuts torque to 63–67 ft/lbs; jam nuts on both assemblies torque to 150 ft/lbs; jam-nut set screws torque to 8–10 ft/lbs, applied only after alignment. After alignment, tap the ProLock key washers onto the adjusting sleeve and hammer-tap the ProLock tabs down firmly against the wrench flats to secure the lock. Use only ½ to 1 pump of grease per joint when re-greasing. Set and adjust the steering stabilizer for equal travel at full lock in both directions before operating the vehicle.

Inspect jam-nut position after the initial 500 miles and then every 5,000 miles or at each oil change, consistent with Apex's maintenance guidance. Refer to the current Apex Chassis standard (No Flip) installation instructions supplied with this kit for complete procedures, torque specifications, and all safety requirements.

The Obsidian Take

The KIT135 is Apex's black anodized aluminum tie rod and drag link kit for the 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler JK running the stock Dana 30/44 front axle — set up as a standard under-knuckle mount for lifts of 3.5" or less. Confirm these application conditions before ordering: significantly modified Jeeps should be confirmed with Apex directly, and a Dana 60 upgrade requires contacting Apex for available modifications rather than this standard configuration. Jam nut wrenches (KIT521) and a steering stabilizer bracket are not included and must be ordered separately.

This Product Is For You If

• You own a 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with the stock Dana 30/44 front axle.
• You are running a lift of 3.5" or less and want the standard under-knuckle mount.
• You run AEV or factory Rubicon wheels, or other 17" factory-spec wheels.
• You are prepared for a professional-level installation with specific torque values and a required professional alignment.
• You are prepared to select and purchase jam nut wrenches (KIT521) and a steering stabilizer bracket separately.

This Product Is Not For You If

• Your Jeep has been upgraded to a Dana 60 axle and you have not contacted Apex to confirm available modifications.
• Your Jeep has significant modifications you have not confirmed with Apex or your local Jeep shop.
• Your lift exceeds 3.5" — a flip kit (over-knuckle) configuration may be the better fit; confirm with Apex.
• You do not already have, or are not ordering, a steering stabilizer bracket matched to your stabilizer, or jam nut wrenches (KIT521).
• You plan to use both ProLock and Belleville washers on the same joint — use one or the other only.

Common Questions

Does this fit modified Jeeps?
This kit fits most modified applications, but Apex recommends contacting seller directly (469-407-7538 or support@obsidianforgedautosupply.com) to confirm before ordering, and checking with your local Jeep shop.

Does this fit a Dana 60 axle upgrade?
Not as configured. Contact Apex directly for available Dana 60 modifications.

Will this work with my wheels?
Yes, with AEV and factory Rubicon wheels, no spacers needed. Designed for 17" wheels and factory wheel specifications.

Do I need the standard mount or a flip kit?
This standard under-knuckle mount is typically suggested for lifts of 3.5" or less. For greater lift heights, a flip kit configuration may be the better fit — confirm with Apex.

Are jam nut wrenches included?
No. Apex wrench kit KIT521 (2x WR112 41mm/46mm) is required and sold separately for this configuration.

Can I use Belleville washers instead of the ProLock keyway washers?
Yes, on the applicable joints — but never use both a ProLock and a Belleville washer on the same joint.

How much grease do the joints need?
Only ½ to 1 pump of grease per joint. There's very little internal clearance — overfilling can cause seals to pop or tear, leading to premature failure.

Is a professional alignment required?
A professional alignment must be completed before operating the vehicle. Professional installation is strongly recommended. Thread locker and set-screw torque are applied only after alignment.

What is the replacement set screw part number?
XP172, for both the tie rod and drag link.

What is the warranty?
Apex covers manufacturer defects, premature wear, and breakage for the life of the vehicle, as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle, with product registration required within 90 days of purchase. See full warranty summary below.

Manufacturer Data Disclaimer

Fitment, specification, compatibility, installation, and warranty data for this kit are sourced from Apex Chassis manufacturer product documentation and installation instructions, and OFAS-verified product data current as of publication. Specifications are subject to change without notice; confirm current documentation for this SKU and configuration at the time of purchase.

Required Legal, Warning, Fitment, and Return Notices

Safety Warning: Steering is a critical safety component. The installer must read and follow the provided installation instructions in full. Failure to follow these instructions may result in loss of vehicle control, accident, and injury. Failure to follow installation instructions and use correct installation tools may also void the warranty.

Warranty Summary: Apex Chassis warrants this product against manufacturer defects, premature wear, and breakage for the life of the vehicle, provided the original purchaser continues to own the vehicle. The product must be purchased through Apex Chassis directly or through an authorized Apex dealer, and must be registered with proof of purchase within 90 days of purchase. Products not registered within 90 days are covered only for 90 days from the date of purchase. Apex will, at its sole discretion, replace the defective part and cover ground shipping, or refund the original purchase price. Labor for removal or reinstallation is not covered. This warranty does not cover cosmetic imperfections, boots, bushings, or Heim-style joints, which are considered regular wear items. The warranty is void if the component is improperly installed, modified, or used in an application for which it was not designed, as determined at Apex's sole discretion. This warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Arizona.